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149
THE
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
MISSION TO THE ABORIGINES,
LAKE MACQUARIE,
FOR MDCCCXXXVIII
Ebenezer, Lake Macquarie,
New South Wales,
December 31st, 1838.
TO THE HONORABLE THE COLONIAL SECRETARY,
E. DEAS THOMSON, Esquire,
&c. &c. &c.
SIR,
During the present year I have attempted to carry into effect the plan contemplated in my last year's Report, of endeavouring to meet the Aborigines in the neighbouring districts; but the numbers are now so very much reduced, that it is almost impossible to form any settled plan to assemble them at any given ime or place. Sometimes two or three are seen, at most, half a dozen, excepting the cases of General Assembly, to wage battle, a circumstance they usually conceal from my knowledge until the business is over. Unfortunately, in the majority of instances in which I have seen the few Aborigines at different places, they have been intoxicated, so as to render any attempt to hold conversation with them nugatory. It is hoped that the well intended Act of Council, coming into operation January 1st, 1839, to prevent the supplying the Aborigines with spiritous liquors, &c. may prove beneficial.
From conversations with the Aborigines, it appears, that the Christian knowledge which has been communicated to M'gill and other Aborigines, has been the subject of discussion amongst the remnant of the tribes forty miles distant.
In two or three instances, when communicating what was supposed to be subjects perfectly new to them, they replied with perfect coolness, "We know it, M'gill has told us," But whilst the mere knowledge of our Father in Heaven —his Son our Lord - future punishment, &c. &c. has extended in a very small degree, no moral influence on their habits of life has been yet discovered. The still small voice of God speaking to their consciences, must effect this desirable change, that they may be born of God.
The mere mechanical external operation of human instruction, is too transitory in its effects to calculate upon, as was clearly exemplified in the Aborigines confined at Goat Island, who whilst under coersive instruction, rapidly advanced in their respective attainments of reading, writing, and arithmetic, repeating prayers, singing hymns, and the art of cutting stone, in which they exhibited much skill; but when removed from under restraint, proved to Man, that coercive religious instruction is of no moral avail, however much we deceive ourselves with specious appearances of success during compulsory education; nor do Christian principles authorise such means. "We (says the Apostle Paul) persuade men." On requesting some of them when at liberty, to perform work of stone-cutting, for which they should be paid, "No," was the reply, "that was our punishment; we cannot engage in such work now." This created no surprise, it being contrary to human nature for any man to love his punishment.
His Excellency suggested in a conversation respecting the Aborigines, the trial of paying them money for labor, which hitherto has been avoided, lest they should instantly repair to town and spend it in spirits. On my return to the Lake, the subject was mentioned to M'gill, the Aborigine, who communicated with his tribe, and engaged to take a job of burning off for a neighbouring gentleman, resident at the Lake. This they completed, and received payment according to previous agreement; but the employing of them is more an act of benevolence than beneficial to the person who engages them, there being so many idlers attached, who expect supplies, and who if not connived at, draw away the whole party long ere the task is completed. Another serious drawback is, that time cannot be calculated on, the completion of the work.
The Tribe engaged in similar employment for myself; but the task they have not finished— affairs of honor drew away the party, the ignorant Blacks not having as yet attained to that high